James Richard Jim"" Hess

In loving memory of James R. Hess, who at the age of 68, of Longmont, CO, passed away suddenly on March 7 in California while visiting his son and family. He was born on September 24, 1946 in Ephrata, Pennsylvania.

“Jimbo”, as he was known by his relatives and closest friends, brought such joy and love to everyone he came in contact with. Jim always put the needs of others before his own and did it with extraordinary unselfishness.

An outstanding and creative entrepreneur throughout his entire lifetime, he started several successful business ventures in Pennsylvania. Jim started his working life helping with his father’s egg production business, then moved onto a partnership in dry cleaning with his brother Stan. He then ventured on his own into the printing and advertising business, along with produce and Christmas trees sales and more recently as a real estate broker in Colorado. Throughout his years of managing businesses, Jim developed a natural gift as a consultant to his sons and other business owners. He was invigorated by the challenges set before him and always had a vision on where he wanted to go with each of his ventures.

Jim’s real passion was his family. From sharing his love of hunting and fishing with his sons, to traveling with the RV to visit his 7 grandkids in different parts of the country. He fell in love with the mountains of the West and moved to Colorado to further enjoy biking, hiking, horseback riding, skiing and snowshoeing. As a husband, he included his wife, Linda in all that he did, in work and play, and was happiest when she was at his side. His enjoyment of the outdoors and travel with his family and his ability to bring levity into each situation always brought the best out of people around him.

He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Paul and Elizabeth Hess and his brothers, Paul Jr. and Floyd. He is survived by his soul mate Linda (Hassler) Hess of Longmont, CO; younger brothers Stan and Henry; younger sister Barb Hash; and his three sons; Jason and wife Tracey and children Jacob and Rebecca of Florida; Joshua and wife Leah and children Austin, Sage and Ellah of California; Jeremy and wife Amanda and children Alyssa and Gabriel of Georgia.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Monday, March 16, 2015 at the Howe Mortuary in Longmont, CO. Funeral services will follow at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 17, 2015 at LifeBridge Christian Church, Longmont, CO. Burial will follow at Foothills Gardens of Memory, Longmo